Chapter 200
“Dinner? With you?”
I closed my eyes as my pang went through my heart, and I winced.
- youchers
Really, Sade? What were you expecting? That he would leave his work and come back early just because you asked him to? Perhaps being comfortable has made me lose my sense of perspective.
“Y–you don’t have to if you’re busy, sir,” I said, trying to fix this.
“No, no, that wasn’t what I meant,” he said, sighing. “I was just surprised. I thought you wanted space.”
“This is your home, sir. You don’t have to leave to give me space.”
“So that’s why you wanted to have dinner with me?”
Why… why did he sound disappointed?
I shook my head even though he couldn’t see me. “No, sir. I just… I…”
When I couldn’t complete the words, he helped me out and said, “I’ll be home in thirty minutes. Let me conclude things here.”
“Re–really, sir?” I asked, my voice high. “You’ll be here?”
“Yeah. See you soon.”
The call ended, and I just stared at the phone. He’ll be here? He’ll really have dinner with me, even though he’s been avoiding me for a week now?
I really haven’t thought he would agree. I just wanted to try, so I’ll tell myself later that at least I made an effort.
I dropped the phone and stared down at my dress. The gown was decent, but it smelled like the kitchen, with hints of
spices
and flavor.
I quickly dashed up the stairs, trying to ignore that tiny pang of excitement at the pit of my belly. It was no big deal, I was just excited to finally get a chance to express my gratitude and watch him eat my food.
I did what I could within the thirty–minute timeframe, but as I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my wild hair. I realized I had been relying on Mrs. Banks to style my hair.
The only person apart from Mrs. Banks who could handle my hair was my mother,
My eyes burned, the urge to cry overtaking me.
“I hope you’re fine, Mama,” I whispered as I picked up the brush. “I hope you’re living well and not worried about me. I’ll come find you one day, I promise.”
I brushed my hair as best as I could, pinning it up. A few strands of hair fell into my face, and even the back was messy, but this will have to do for now.
I rushed down the stairs just in time to see the elevator open, and Mr. Varkas stepped out. He held his laptop bag in one hand, loosening his tie with the other, his head low. He noticed me and raised his head, his mouth opening to say something, but no words came out as he paused in his steps, his jaw left hanging, his hand frozen on his tie.
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Chapter 200
His eyes were fixed on me, and they trailed over me, starting from my chaotic hair down to the tube gown was wearing That was the first thing I saw when I opened the closet, so I just thatched it and threw it on. I didn’t even pause to think what it looked like on me.
As Mr. Varkas watched me, I finally saw a familiar look in his eyes, but it was gone as soon as it came.
He cleared his throat, closing his mouth and loosening his tie completely.
“Good evening, Sade, he greeted without looking at me, walking deeper into the living room and dropping his bag, taking his jacket off.
“Good evening, sir,” I responded as I stepped down the stairs, swallowing
Why didn’t that look, however brief it was, disgust me? His scent has also changed for that brief moment. Why didn’t it scare me like it always did? And what was this heat in my lower belly?
“Would you like to shower first, sir?”
“Yes, please,” he answered, already walking towards the stairs, still avoiding looking at me.
I sat still after he was gone, trying to calm my racing heart.
What just happened? What was that? What was happening to me? Was wearing this gown a mistake?
I was contemplating all those things when he stepped back into the living room. I stood up as he stepped down, and it was my turn to gawk at him.
He showered and changed into simple clothes, his hair wet and down, giving him a softer look. He wore loose sweatpants that showed his-
No, no, Sade, what are you thinking? His what? What on God’s green earth is wrong with you?
“What did you make today?” he asked as he got close to me and his scent filled my nose.
He smelled manly, deep, warm, and… a little dangerous. The scent of him was smooth, laced with crisp bergamot, worn leather, and a trace of whiskey that clung to his skin.
God help me.
“Sade?” he called when I remained silent, a look of concern on his face. “Are you okay? Your face looks red.”
“I–I’m okay, sir!” I said in a rush, chuckling nervously as if it would clear the air. “Uhm… I made pot roast with mashed potatoes.”
A small smile twisted his lips, and I swear, my heart stopped for a second there. “Let’s get started, shall we?”
I rushed to the dining room before he could even complete those words.
What was wrong with me? What was wrong with me? What was wrong with me?!
I had already set the table before he came, so I just dished out his food for him.
“Thank you,” he said when I placed his plate in front of him, and my chest tightened.
The men I knew never said thank you or apologized. They just felt like they owned the world, but this man….
9/3
Chapter 200
15 vouchers
The more I got to know him, the more I questioned if what I’ve grown to know about men was really all that there was to
know
“You’re welcome, sir,” I said with a small smile that I tried to hide, but he saw it anyway, and his smile widened just a bit.
I looked away from him so I wouldn’t stare like a weirdo, sitting opposite him and setting my own plate.
“Can you pass me the salt, please?” he asked once we started eating, his hand reaching out. That was when I noticed how tight the shirt he was wearing was, and his muscles were bulging.
His biceps were straining against the shirt, and I just wondered what he would look like-
As I realized where my train of thought was heading, I suddenly choked on the food.
AD
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
